Wounded Sri Lankan Mercenaries Hesitant to Return Home, Opt for Russian Citizenship Instead

Boston Brand Media discovered the trending - Foreign Minister Ali Sabry stated on Saturday that Sri Lankan mercenaries injured in Russia are hesitant to return home, seeking Russian citizenship instead. Many had initially gone to Russia through agents and were compelled to participate in Russia's conflict in Ukraine, resulting in some mercenaries obtaining Russian citizenship, complicating diplomatic assistance efforts.

Sabry mentioned on Friday that those who have taken Russian citizenship lose their Sri Lankan citizenship, posing challenges for diplomatic representation unless they seek dual citizenship. Some mercenaries were misled into non-combat roles, while others understood the risks. State Minister Tharaka Balasuriya, recently returned from Russia, discussed compensation for the 17 Sri Lankans killed, and addressed issues of those missing, voluntary returns, contract terminations, and payment regularizations with Russian authorities over two days.

Boston Brand Media looked into the report from News First Lanka, during the visit, an initiative was proposed to prevent Sri Lankan retired military personnel from being unlawfully recruited and trafficked to participate in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. MP Gamini Valeboda stated that discussions were held with senior Russian officials, resulting in the establishment of a joint committee involving relevant ministries from both countries and the Sri Lankan Ambassador to Russia. Valeboda emphasized the severity of the situation, noting that smugglers were charging families of these veterans over Rs. 1 billion to facilitate their illegal deployment. The government attributed the issue to foreign employment agencies, resulting in the detention of many retired military officers and personnel from these agencies involved in the smuggling operation.

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Source: Indian Express